Third Down and a War to Go: The All-American 1942 Wisconsin Badgers

Third Down and a War to Go from the Wisconsin Historical Society Press written by Terri Frei tells the often heart-wrenching story of famous 1942 football Badgers, describing their successes and losses both on the football field and in service to their country. The famous football season of 1942 was a thrilling final fling. That year Wisconsin had a host of star players, including Pat Hit Em Again Harder, Elroy Crazylegs Hirsch, and two-time All-American Dave Schreiner, and they were coached by Harry Stuhldreher. But stars and benchwarmers alike knew that each game brought them closer to military service. Months later, the Badgers were off fighting in Okinawa, at the Battle of the Bulge, in aerial dogfights, and in POW camps. Not all were asked to be heroic in battle, but many were, and they answered the challenge. Not all of them returned, and the circumstances of at least one battle death have been shrouded in mystery for six decades. 288 pages, illustrated, hardcover.